Switzerland is a land of opportunity—but securing a job here can be highly competitive. With global companies, high salaries, and an unparalleled quality of life, it’s no surprise that employers are flooded with CVs.
If you’re struggling to land interviews, your CV might be the culprit. Having worked in recruitment for years, I’ve seen countless CVs, and let me tell you: small mistakes can make a big difference. Here are the Top 10 Mistakes on CVs (and how to fix them) to improve your chances in the Swiss job market.
1️⃣ It’s Too Long
The mistake: A CV that’s 4+ pages long. Swiss recruiters and hiring managers don’t have time to sift through a novel.
Fix it: Stick to 2 pages max, unless you’re in academia or a highly specialized field. Focus on relevant experience, cutting out older roles that add little value.
2️⃣ Lack of a Professional Photo
The mistake: No photo, or worse—a poorly lit selfie or vacation snapshot. In Switzerland, it’s customary to include a professional headshot.
Fix it: Invest in a high-quality photo. Dress as you would for an interview, choose a neutral background, and let your confidence shine.
3️⃣ Generic Career Objectives
The mistake: Starting your CV with vague statements like “I’m seeking a challenging position where I can grow.”
Fix it: Tailor your objective to the role and company. For example: “Experienced software engineer passionate about cloud solutions, seeking to contribute to innovative projects at [Company Name].”
4️⃣ No Clear Structure
The mistake: A cluttered CV that’s hard to scan. In Switzerland, clarity and organization are key.
Fix it: Use a clear format with distinct sections (e.g., personal details, professional experience, education, skills). Use bullet points for readability.
5️⃣ Not Including Languages
The mistake: Omitting language skills, which are critical in multilingual Switzerland.
Fix it: Create a dedicated “Languages” section. Specify your proficiency level (e.g., German: B2, French: Native, English: Fluent).
6️⃣ Overloaded with Buzzwords
The mistake: Filling your CV with vague terms like “team player,” “innovative thinker,” and “results-driven.”
Fix it: Back up your claims with quantifiable achievements. For example, instead of “strong leader,” write: “Led a team of 10 to deliver a 20% increase in project efficiency.”
7️⃣ Ignoring Swiss Formatting
The mistake: Sending a CV that doesn’t align with Swiss expectations.
Fix it: Swiss CVs usually include:
- Personal details (including date of birth and nationality)
- Professional photo
- References or a note: “References available upon request.”
8️⃣ Focusing on Responsibilities, Not Achievements
The mistake: Listing job duties without showcasing your impact.
Fix it: Highlight achievements using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For example: “Reduced company costs by 15% by implementing a new supplier negotiation strategy.”
9️⃣ Neglecting Keywords
The mistake: Failing to include keywords from the job description. Many Swiss companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs.
Fix it: Tailor each CV to the role, mirroring keywords from the job ad. If the job description emphasizes “data analysis” or “customer retention,” make sure those terms appear in your CV.
🔟 Submitting in English Without Consideration
The mistake: Applying in English when the job requires German, French, or Italian.
Fix it: Submit your CV in the language of the job posting, unless stated otherwise. If you’re unsure, ask the recruiter or hiring manager.
Bonus Tip: Always Include a Cover Letter
In Switzerland, cover letters are still highly valued. A well-crafted, tailored letter can be the difference between landing an interview or getting overlooked.
If you’ve been sending out CVs without much success, it’s time to take a step back and make these changes. Remember: your CV is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. Make it count!
Need help crafting the perfect Swiss CV? Reach out—I’d be happy to guide you. Let’s get your career in Switzerland on the right track.
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